Romantic and jazzy with crossover appeal.

Marthanne Verbit was born in Atlanta and raised in the small town of Fitzgerald, Georgia. She spent her childhood either at a piano or in toe shoes, with frequent appearances on television, at music festivals and in theatrical productions in Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. She left the deep South to attend Hollins College and Boston University School for the Arts, receiving music degrees from each. Further studies at the Eastman and Juilliard Schools and Columbia University kept her in the North. Widely acclaimed for her flair, poetic fantasy, insightful musicianship and unforgettable stage presence, Verbit's piano recitals through the United States and Europe have established her as a favorite among piano connoisseurs. This piano recital includes works by George Gershwin (1898-1937); George Antheil (1900-1959); John Diercks (b. 1927); Joseph Fennimore (b. 1940); Leo Ornstein (1892); and Cyril Scott (1879-1970).

Contents:

George Gershwin, composerI'll Build a Stairway to ParadiseMarthanne Verbit, piano

George Gershwin, composerOh, Lady Be GoodMarthanne Verbit, piano

George Gershwin, composerSwaneeMarthanne Verbit, piano

Leo Ornstein, composerMorning in the WoodsMarthanne Verbit, piano

Leo Ornstein, composerA la Chinoise, Op. 39Marthanne Verbit, piano

Cyril Scott, composerFive PoemsMarthanne Verbit, piano

Review:

"...Verbit's second collection has other revelations in store. It is titled Valentines, and its underlying principle is the manipulation of Jazz-Age kitsch. Gershwin's three songs are present almost as a sample of the kitsch under scrutiny, although Verbit emphasizes the skill and canniness of the piano arrangements....The Twelve Sonatinas (1980) of John Diercks are brilliant and complex miniatures in a variety of styles....And Joseph Fennimore's Crystal Stairs(1983) is perhaps the highlight of the disc: an effortless pastiche of 1930s Hollywood "never-never-land," with murmurings of Depression-era discontent down below....With more charming salon pieces by Scott and Ornstein tacked on at the end, this disc is thoroughly unusual and worthy of attention." (Fanfare)